I-543 L-215 MP 8.52-20.05 Traditional ILI MFL-C & EMAT (Receiver Site) - Turlock, California Gas Pipeline

The I-543 L-215 MP 8.52-20.05 Traditional ILI MFL-C & EMAT (Receiver Site) is a gas pipeline facility located at 770 South Ave in Turlock, Stanislaus County, California. This operational site is part of the United States' extensive natural gas pipeline network, which is regulated by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) under 49 CFR Part 192. The facility's primary function is to serve as a receiver site for in-line inspection (ILI) tools, specifically magnetic flux leakage (MFL) and electromagnetic acoustic transducer (EMAT) technologies, used for pipeline integrity assessments. The facility operates under the NAICS code 486210, which covers pipeline transportation of natural gas. In California, gas pipeline infrastructure is subject to both federal PHMSA regulations and state-level oversight by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). The site's location in Turlock places it within a region with significant agricultural and urban interfaces, requiring careful monitoring of pipeline safety and environmental impact. Typical gas pipelines in this area range from medium to large scale, with lengths often spanning tens of miles. This receiver site plays a critical role in maintaining the safety and reliability of the natural gas transmission system. By enabling advanced inspection techniques like MFL and EMAT, it helps detect corrosion, cracks, and other anomalies in the pipeline. The facility contributes to the overall integrity management program required by PHMSA, ensuring the safe transport of natural gas to communities and industries in the region.

The facility is situated in Turlock, California, within the San Joaquin Valley, an area with high agricultural activity and a growing population. Gas pipelines in this region traverse farmland and near residential areas, necessitating robust safety measures to prevent leaks and ruptures. The commodity transported (natural gas) poses risks of methane emissions and fire hazards. Pipeline age and cathodic protection systems are critical factors in maintaining integrity, as soil conditions in agricultural areas can accelerate corrosion.